Beaufort S.C.

July 21^st 1863

 

Colonel

            Yours of the 18^th inst has been received & it affords me great pleasure to hear from you. I am likewise glad to hear of the reduction of Artillery Regts. as there may be some hope of getting our Regt filled up. My Company numbers 83 enlisted, of which 5 will probably be discharged in a very short time (for disability coming from the "Washington" disaster. The Company has been comparatively healthy until within the last few days although there are no cases of a serious nature.

 

            I would heartily recommend Sergt. Williams for a [faded] believe [faded, torn] to be competent to fill such position [faded, torn] honor to himself & [torn] / an active & most efficient Officer & if you have made no selection for 1^st Lieut. for my Company I would earnestly recommend him for such position if consistent.

 

            Last night we had quite a "scare" & remained at our guns all night. I have just learned, that six picquets were captured during the night, some where near Brick Yard Point. Reports say a large force was seen yesterday at the firing probably exaggerated.

 

Mrs Hamner arrived safe in New York by last trip of Arago & begs to be remembered to you & Mrs Metcalf. With kind regards, I remain truly Yours

 

[W. H. Hamner]

Capt 3^d R.I. Arty

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